Export education innovation projects funded

Education Minister Trevor Mallard today announced the first four projects to be funded by the Export Education Innovation Programme.

The contestable fund is designed to provide assistance to those educators that demonstrate they have a viable and innovative offshore export education plan. Any funding from the programme had to be matched at least dollar for dollar by the applicant.

“Our government is committed to supporting what is a very important and valuable industry in New Zealand. This limited and targeted funding will provide tremendous leverage in developing New Zealand’s off-shore education presence.

"Offshore education is rapidly growing internationally, and it is important that New Zealand develops its capability in this area. These projects will play a small but vital part in that development," Trevor Mallard said.

The projects were considered by a specialist industry advisory body and the project selection was approved by a multi-agency management committee, comprising the Ministry of Education, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and Education New Zealand. They will be administered by Education New Zealand.

The following projects have been selected: Auckland University of Technology (School of Languages) will receive $73,265 to assist with the integration of Advanced English Studies with Jinan University in the People’s Republic of China.

Christchurch College of Education is to receive $42,975 towards its professional development programmes for English and bi-lingual school teachers from the People’s Republic of China.

The programme recognises the need to provide limited but practical support to international educators that are looking at diversifying their services offshore.

Heurisko Limited will receive a $57,690 contribution towards GlobalFieldTrips.com – an innovative programme providing a virtual New Zealand education experience for students at years 8-10 in international schools across Asia. Victoria University of Wellington will receive $75,000 to assist with the delivery of the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Studies Programme in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The fund will grow to $1 million per annum from 2005/06.

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